July 24th: Revision TT, Lipo of Flanks, BBL

I'm so glad that you had a positive experience with Dr. Agha. I also totally understand how painful it can be when the pain medicine doesn't work. I'm so sorry. Thankfully, I have already requested a pain pump, since my last TT was so painful. Are you feeling more pain with the revision TT versus the original one?

Hope you feel better.

Yes it hurts a lot more this time and my back hurts too because of the liposuction on my back and butt lift. I can't seem to find a comfortable position.

Oh one more thing I should mention, I'm carrying a wound vac which is very annoying and uncomfortable. I expected the tubes but not this thing! I have never seen or heard of this but Dr Agha assured me that it will heal me faster. It's loud and it must be connected to an outlet at all times. Are you familiar with one?

Ooh I'm sorry. I can only imagine that it must be very painful to hurt on all sides. I am actually doing the exact same procedures as you with Dr. Agha. I was worried about how you can rest if you cannot be on your back or stomach! Are you using special pillows? Anyone there to help you?

Hope the pain becomes manageable as soon as possible for you.

I have no idea what a wound vac is! Does it hurt too?

Dr Agha instructed me to lay only on my back with lots of pillows on my back and under my knees. I've been sleeping on a recliner but today is the first day I was able to make it up the stairs into my bedroom and I will try to sleep in my bed tonight. I have 3 small children so it has been difficult not to be able to care for them or pick them up but my parents and my husband add helping out. I haven't had much of an appetite so I have only drank protein shakes, green juice and little bites of chicken breast. Although I am very swollen I feel as if I have lost weight from my face and arms. The one thing I must warn you about is to make sure you read the after care instructions and pamphlet that dr Agha gives you. I did not and he was very upset with me during my first post op appointment. He was very angry that I had not been "milking the drains!" I had no idea what that was, I thought I was only supposed to measure the liquid from the drains. He actually yelled at me in my face which brought me to tears but I understand where he is coming from. He can only do so much but it's up to the patient to do their part to get the best results. I trust Dr Agha completely and I know he is the best in his field so believe me as soon as I got home I read the pamphlet from cover to cover and I have been milking the tubes religiously!

No the wound vac doesn't hurt at all it's just a hassle. Ask him if you will need one or email Shireen or Whitney.

Thank you for the great tips. I better read the info!

I'm glad that you have a lot of people to help you while you recover. That is a true blessing especially when you have three young children. I will find out about the wound vac this Tuesday when I go for my preop appointment.

I understand that you're still swollen but he probably still hurts a lot. Overall though are you happy with the results thus far? Do you have any preop and postop pictures that you were possibly willing to share?

Is the wound vac gone finally? How are you feeling?

Haha! Hope he takes them out! Would love to see your pictures if you feel comfortable with that. Good luck tomorrow!

Thank you so much for that tip! I asked my doctor about it and he said that he does not use it. Instead, he has offered me a pain pump which can be refilled if needed. Wish I could use both!

No problem I love to help, I know the feeling of wanting extra advice.. I'm happy you will at least be able to get something.. . Best wishes can't wait to see your results.. God bless...

Hello twin!

I'm so sorry that you had such a negative experience with your first tummy tuck. Boy, do I know the feeling.

I looked at your review. Dr. Krieger who was my doctor in Beverly Hills for my first TT did the same thing as you have described in your review. He did not do a lipo suction nor did he recommend it. I paid $11,500 because his office was on rodeo drive. He closed my sutures with Staples and let me tell you the uneven scar still has the marking of the staples! When I went back to him he said he would charge me for another TT or even a revision of the scar. That's actually better so because why would I want to go back to the same PS who messed my tummy up in the first place?

Do you mind sharing some photos? Now, I'm curious to see how your results look like mine. if you feel comfortable to do so of course.

Wish me luck I'm hoping that this second surgery will be much better. I will keep you posted!

Thank you so much BJ! The great part is that you look fantastic! I can only imagine though that it must've been really difficult to take care of yourself without any help. I remember with my first TT I could not even get out of bed by myself! How did you do it alone?

Thanks hon. I am blessed that I don't look quite my age. I am independent and it's hard for me to ask anyone for help. I really don't have anyone I can ask that much of. My first surgery ever (other than 3 deliveries) was a Lifestyle Lift of neck & eyelids 2 years ago and I had no idea to ask for help other than my cousin driving me to & from surgery. So when I scheduled the TT, I figured I'd do it again by myself. My son drove me. I guess when you don't know any better you just do it. Doctors only required someone stay the first night and I assumed that was to make sure someone could call 911 if I passed out. I'm not going to lie. It was hard. Real hard. Definitely not for sissies. I took things real slow, prayed a lot and everything turned out great with all three surgeries. God is good. My mom is 97 & still lives alone (my brother is in separate house on her property & 3 of us girls cook & clean for her due to her failing eyesight). I think I get my stubborn nature from her. LOL
Well, take care hon & thanks again for the compliment. BJ

BJ, you may have gotten your stubborn nature from your mother but you have probably gotten the great genes from her as well!

Any other tips you could share with me to help me in recovery?

You are too kind. My mom had 10 kids then the doc gave her a hysterectomy. He said 10 was enough ( so the saying goes....I forgot to confirm that long ago now she can't recall). So I guess the genes are strong. She has high blood pressure & can't see well but otherwise in good health. Truly blessed. Ok. On to your question. Sorry, got sidetracked. Mom is my fav subject. Lol.
I would offer that you should definitely take lots of photos of your recovery journey. Wish I had kept better photo journal for comparison. It helps to see how far you've come on the swell hell & down days. The surgery blues hit many of us. It's a period where you question the logic of what you did & the money you spent. Dark time indeed. Thank God that phase does not last long. One look at the photos and you get back on track & start thinking "what else needs tweaking. Lol. Oh, I wrote down all my meds & times I took them so I would not lose track. I ate yogurt just b4 meds & never felt nauseous. I lived on oatmeal with fresh fruit & crushed walnuts, protein shakes, & Ensure the first few days until I felt hungry again. I lived up 30 steps to my front door so I only left the house when I had to (moved 20 days after surgery with tons of help). Walked around the house as much as I could. Hindsight wish I had thought of a walker. Would have saved my back from so much pain. Slept on recliner part of sofa for about 3 weeks because I could not get out of bed without pain so I stopped trying until I could. I think it was 3 weeks each time. See I forgot all the details. Wish I had kept better track or had started my review sooner. As hard as it was at the time, most of the bad has been forgotten (like childbirth). My neighbor brought me homemade veggie soup which was a lifesaver. I don't cook at home for self so I had made nothing ahead. I eat a lot of salads with chicken or salmon & my daily oatmeal & protein shakes. I slept a lot & chatted with a friend back east for moral support. Kept most of the family out of my business as to the surgery. Told most who asked it was hernia. All in all I'd say my recliner was the best for my recovery. Hated the binder they sent me home with. Could never get it tight enough or low enough for nurse Olga at doctors office. Take it easy & be good to yourself is my best advice. Give yourself a break. Don't rush the recovery because it will take its own time anyway. Frustration not good for healing so relax. Sorry I can't be more specific. I just did not buy a lot of the things I see on here so not sure if that would have been better or not. Took all meds & vitamins & iron. Bought all the scar creams, oils, lotions, gels & tape mentioned here on RS and really not sure if any of it helped. Time is your friend. Lots of healing time. Sorry nothing new from what you already know but someone else may find my rant helpful or, at least humorous. Well, take care my dear and be well. BJ